Sangha facilitator

Leads the BIPOC Sangha gathering, creating a welcoming and supportive space for all participants. Holds the container for meditation, Dharma sharing, and community connection. Ensures the group remains grounded in its mission as a peer-led, inclusive space for BIPOC practitioners. Can offer practice talks if experienced and called.

Responsibilities

• Arrives 10–15 minutes early to set up the space (in-person) 

• Reviews any announcements, upcoming events, or guest teacher schedules to share with the group

• Checks in with any co-facilitators or volunteers before the session begins

• Opens the session with a brief welcome and any relevant announcements

• Leads or guides the meditation portion (silent sit, guided meditation, or walking meditation as appropriate)

• Introduces any Dharma talk, sharing, or discussion topics for the session

• Facilitates any group sharing or discussion with sensitivity and awareness

• Keeps time and ensures the session stays within its scheduled timeframe (1:15 PM – 3:00 PM)

• Closes the session with a dedication of merit or closing words

• Reminds participants of upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, or other announcements

• Coordinates with AV Assistants or Setup Crews as needed for tech or space needs

• Attends occasional facilitator check-ins or leadership meetings as available

• Shares feedback or observations with the volunteer team to help the sangha grow and improve

Scheduling & Program Committee 

Acts as the primary liaison between meditation instructors and the group's administrative team (leadership or L-Sangha)

Responsibilities

• Develops a yearly calendar of events, including meditation sessions, Dharma talks, one-day and weekend retreats, workshops, and beginning/advanced classes

• Selects and coordinates with Dharma teachers, guest speakers, community presenters, and class instructors

• Confirms facilitator schedules and ensures adherence to the center's teaching guidelines

• Sends requests to the SBMG web administrator to add BIPOC Sangha events to the main SBMG calendar

• Sends requests to update the BIPOC Sangha website calendar with event information to the communications committee/web admin

• Updates google calendar with current schedule information and events

• Ensures all programs meet the needs of the community and align with the group's mission and vision statements

• Works closely with the Outreach & Community Engagement Committee to ensure programs are well-promoted

Volunteer Committee

Responsibilities

• Recruits volunteers to assist with sangha operations and events

• Hosts the quarterly Volunteer Open House

• Updates and maintains the volunteer directory

• Develops and distributes necessary training materials

• Provides ongoing support and recognition for volunteers

• Coordinates volunteers during events

Communications Committee

Responsibilities

Promotes the center and its events through social media, newsletters, website updates, and print materials to ensure high visibility and engagement.

• Manages social media accounts and creates content

• Writes and distributes newsletters

• Maintains the website

• Develops promotional materials

• Collaborates with the Scheduling & Program Committee to ensure events are well-advertised

Outreach & Community Engagement Committee

Builds relationships with local communities, organizations, and individuals who may benefit from the center's offerings. 

Responsibilities

Builds relationships with local communities, organizations, and individuals who may benefit from the center's offerings.

• Organizes outreach activities

• Represents the center at community events

• Partners with local businesses, groups, or nonprofits

• Develops strategies to make meditation accessible to diverse groups and marginalized communities

AV Yogi(s)

Ensures all audio-visual components are set up, monitored, and smoothly operated for meditation sessions, events, and live-streaming. Training and ongoing support will be provided. This role is essential for maintaining online sits as an important accessibility option for the community.

Responsibilities

• Retrieves AV equipment from the storage room before each sit or event, including microphones, speakers, cameras, and TVs

• Sets up and tests microphones to ensure clear audio for in-person and virtual attendees

• Launches the Zoom session and monitors the chat and participant room throughout the sit

• Addresses technical issues or participant needs in real-time

• Ensures the session is recorded

• Troubleshoots any audio-visual or streaming issues that arise during sessions to minimize disruptions

• Remains on-call during the sit for quick resolutions

• Returns AV equipment to the media cabinet after each session as needed

• Ensures equipment is organized and safely returned to the storage room

• Secures cables and components properly

Event Setup & Breakdown Crews

Arrives approximately 15–20 minutes early (or as needed) to events, or stays 15–20 minutes late (or as needed) to ensure the meditation hall, kitchen, and other areas are set up according to the event's needs or restored to their default state afterward.

Responsibilities

• Arranges and dismantles event spaces, including chairs, tables, mats, and other setup needs

• Ensures rooms are restored to their original state after events, including the dining hall and any other rooms used during the sangha’s use of the dharma center